Abstract : A preliminary investigation of a two-phase solid-fluid continuum model to represent the spinal column subjected to dynamic loadings is presented. The two-fold purpose of this investigation is (1) to examine a simple dynamic model that has a continuum representation and offers a capability to include the inertia and pressure effects of a fluid and (2) to use this model to study what effect the presence of a fluid has on the stresses in the solid material. The model consists of a uniform straight porous elastic column containing a viscoelastic fluid and supporting a mass to represent the head. Loading consists of a constant acceleration at the base of the column. Two types of boundary conditions for the fluid at the upper end of the column are considered. The problem is formulated in terms of two coupled partial differential equations with the displacements of the fluid and the solid material treated as unknowns. (Author)